YouTube will become the exclusive global home of the Academy Awards starting in 2029, marking a historic shift for one of entertainment’s most iconic ceremonies. The multi-year deal with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences runs through 2033 and brings the Oscars fully into a streaming-first era.
The agreement ends ABC’s long-standing role as the Oscars’ broadcast partner. ABC has aired the ceremony for decades, with its current contract covering the show through 2028, including the 100th Academy Awards. From 2029 onward, viewers worldwide will watch the Oscars live and free on YouTube.
A major shift from broadcast to streaming
This move represents the most significant distribution change in Oscars history. For the first time, the main ceremony will not rely on traditional network television as its primary platform. Instead, YouTube will handle global live streaming, supported by its massive international audience and infrastructure.
In the United States, the Oscars will also remain accessible through YouTube TV, ensuring continuity for viewers who still prefer a traditional channel-based experience. Internationally, YouTube’s free availability removes many of the regional broadcast limitations that previously affected how audiences watched the show.
What the deal includes
YouTube’s agreement goes beyond the main awards night. The platform will also stream official red carpet events, nomination announcements, and other Academy-related programming. The Academy plans to expand behind-the-scenes content and exclusive features through its official YouTube presence.
Accessibility plays a central role in the partnership. The Oscars streams will include closed captions and multilingual options, aiming to make the ceremony easier to follow for global audiences.
Why the Academy chose YouTube
The decision reflects changing viewer behavior. Recent Oscars broadcasts on ABC attracted significantly smaller audiences compared to past decades, mirroring a broader decline in linear TV viewership. YouTube offers the Academy direct access to more than two billion logged-in users worldwide, with strong reach among younger viewers.
For YouTube, the deal strengthens its push into premium live events and cultural moments, placing it alongside streaming platforms and tech companies competing for major media rights.
What comes next
The Oscars will continue airing on ABC through 2028, giving the Academy several years to prepare the transition. Industry watchers expect the move to influence how other major award shows and live events negotiate future distribution deals.
By 2029, the Oscars will no longer belong to a single TV network. Instead, they will stream to a global audience with just one click, signaling a new chapter for Hollywood’s biggest night.
And with YouTube TV getting a new impressive design and even more to come before 2029, it is promising to be an entertaining watch for viewers.
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